Dominican RepublicHotel Openings / RenovationsRoyal SonestaThe James Hotels
Sonesta Announces Larimar City & Resort, a New Luxury Development in the Dominican Republic
Sep 11, 2023 3 mins read download media assets
New Multi-use Development to Feature The Royal Sonesta and The James Brands as well as Residences
NEWTON, MA [September 11, 2023] – Sonesta International Hotels Corporation (Sonesta) today announced plans for Larimar City & Resort, a new multi-use development that marks the company’s entry in the Dominican Republic. Anchoring this development will be new Royal Sonesta and James hotels, two of Sonesta’s luxury and lifestyle brands.
“This development leverages two of our premier brands, The Royal Sonesta and The James, to grow our footprint in Latin America and the Caribbean, which is a strategic priority for Sonesta,” said Brian Quinn, Sonesta’s Chief Development Officer. “Sonesta’s dedicated lodging development team and enhanced regional presence will allow us to capitalize on the demand for the Caribbean market, especially among luxury travelers, as an avenue for continued growth.”
Sonesta is partnering with real estate development firm CLERHP on both hotel properties and residences with completion of the first phase of Larimar City & Resort expected in late 2025 to early 2026. This development will include several entertainment venues including a retail mall, several dining options, a fitness center, spa, country club with 18-course golf course, outdoor sports facility and a kid-centric activity center.
Juan Andrés Romero, CEO of CLERHP, commented, “Larimar City & Resort will be a destination designed with comfort, quality and luxury offering a unique living and travel experience and easy air access from major North American and European markets. The project has garnered support from international investors who view this mixed use development, the first of its kind in the Dominican Republic, as a compelling investment opportunity.”
The Dominican Republic saw an 11% increase in visitors in Q1 2023 vs. Q1 2019 according to the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer released in January 2023. The island is renowned for its varied terrain which features rainforest, savannah and highlands, including Pico Duarte, the Caribbean’s tallest mountain. Visitors to the island can visit spectacular beaches and waterfalls, go whale watching and explore the cultural attractions in Santo Domingo.
The Larimar development in the Dominican Republic will be the latest addition to Sonesta’s extensive portfolio of Latin American and Caribbean properties. Since entering the Latin American region with the establishment of Sonesta El Olivar in Lima, Peru, in 1998, Sonesta has expanded its network, adding hotels in Colombia, Ecuador and Chile. Through a master franchise agreement with GHL Hoteles in Colombia, Sonesta introduced the Sonesta Hotel Cali in April 2022 as its 14th property in Latin America and 8th in Colombia. Additionally, in the Caribbean, Sonesta’s presence includes two all-inclusive resorts in Sint Maarten: the family-friendly Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and the adults-only Sonesta Ocean Point Resort, along with the Royal Sonesta San Juan in Puerto Rico.
The James and The Royal Sonesta brands are new additions to the Sonesta Franchise portfolio in the U.S. and in Latin America, offering franchisees high-end lifestyle options in top urban and resort destination markets. Guests of both properties will be able to earn or redeem points as members of the award-winning Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program.
ABOUT SONESTA
About Sonesta International Hotels
Sonesta is the 8th largest hotel company in the U.S. according to Smith Travel Research (STR) with approximately 1,100 properties totaling 100,000 guest rooms across 13 brands in eight countries. Sonesta owns, manages and/or franchises under The Royal Sonesta; The James, Classico Collection by Sonesta, Sonesta Hotels, Resorts & Cruises; MOD Collection by Sonesta, Sonesta Select; Sonesta Essential, Sonesta ES Suites, Sonesta Simply Suites, Red Lion Hotels, Inns & Suites by Sonesta; Signature Inn by Sonesta; Americas Best Value Inn by Sonesta and Canadas Best Value Inn by Sonesta. Redefining hospitality through its award-winning Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program, Sonesta offers guests the opportunity to earn and redeem points for unparalleled value and personalized experiences. Sonesta Travel Pass members receive the best rates, earn immediate points towards free nights, and accelerated status progression based on stays. For more information about Sonesta, visit Sonesta.com to make a reservation or franchise.sonesta.com to explore joining our portfolio.
About Royal Sonesta
The Royal Sonesta hotels offer ideal high-design hideaways and an effortless feeling of connecting to local coordinates – whether it be guests to each other, to a business meeting, or to the destinations in which our portfolio calls homes.
Locations are ideally suited for exploration, cuisine is inspired by the locale and artistically created, meeting and event spaces are noteworthy, and the hospitality elevates any expectations to match every experience elegantly.
About The James Hotels
The James is a storied brand with its classic, luxury lifestyle spirit, which we all can identify for centuries. Driven by reliable sophistication, worthwhile connections, and spirited curiosity, The James delivers an experience that is as classic as it is modern.
With destination worthy, localized B&F experiences, direct access to sought-after local products and opportunities, and a timeless sensibility that manifests in every facet of each hotel, The James offers the sure thing that guests desire, every time.
